Luke 18:36
And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
Original Language Analysis
ὄχλου
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλου
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 8
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐπυνθάνετο
he asked
G4441
ἐπυνθάνετο
he asked
Strong's:
G4441
Word #:
5 of 8
to question, i.e., ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from g2065, which properly means a request as a favor;
Historical Context
Blind beggars relied on auditory cues to identify potential benefactors. A large, excited crowd suggested someone important—perhaps a wealthy patron or popular teacher. The beggar's question shows strategic thinking: knowing who passed might inform his begging appeal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual alertness often compensate for other deficiencies, whether physical or social?
- What 'sounds' or spiritual stirrings in your life have prompted you to ask, 'What does this mean?'
- How does the beggar's curiosity model the seeking heart that recognizes divine opportunity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant (ἀκούσας ὄχλου διαπορευομένου ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη τοῦτο, akousas ochlou diaporeuomenou epynthaneto ti eiē touto)—Blindness heightens hearing; the beggar detects unusual commotion. The verb diaporeuomai (to pass through, travel past) in participle form emphasizes movement's immediacy—this is his moment. Epynthaneto (he was inquiring, asking repeatedly) suggests persistent questions: Why this crowd? Who comes?
The phrase what it meant (τί εἴη τοῦτο, ti eiē touto) uses the optative mood, expressing deliberative questioning. He senses something significant is happening—Passover pilgrims were common, but this crowd sounds different. His question demonstrates spiritual alertness despite physical blindness. Unlike the seeing disciples who understand 'none of these things' (v. 34), this blind man will perceive Jesus's identity with theological precision.